A gang of four machete-wielding thugs went on a holy terror rampage yesterday night, raiding two churches in Bulawayo’s Cowdray Park and getting away with a vehicle, cash, and valuables.
The sword-swinging savages first struck House of Liberty Christian Church, beating and binding a 40 year-old female complainant after barging in at 1:30am armed with blades.
Wielding a machete, iron bar and knife, one raider smashed the poor woman in the face while demanding cash – then marched her to her room while his psychotic accomplices ransacked the house, making off with US$150 and clothes.
The gang then forced open the church doors, stealing a generator and amplifier before moving on to next victim: Holy Trinity Catholic Church.
There, the crazed criminals committed their worst atrocity yet: awaking a 48 year-old priest at 2am by breaking in with axes and choppers, then slapping and robbing him at blade-point.
Having looted his cashbox containing an unknown sum plus US$120 and a phone, the madmen demanded keys to his white Isuzu pickup with 30 litres of fuel – driving off and handcuffing the two traumatized victims together!
Police Inspector Msebele urged churches to improve security and avoid announcing daily takings – warning: “Not all who come to church have good intentions.”
